HBA-DMH C.S.H.B. 3409 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisC.S.H.B. 3409
By: King, Tracy
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
5/8/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, water treatment professionals are referred to as
residential water treatment operators. This description no longer
accurately reflects the responsibilities of and duties performed by
individuals who work in the water treatment technology profession.  In
addition, granting certification to such individuals is currently the duty
of the commissioner of health.  C.S.H.B. 3409 transfers this certification
duty to the executive director of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) and authorizes a person certified by the executive
director of TNRCC to use the title "water treatment specialist." 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority previously delegated to the Texas Board o Heath is transferred to
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission in SECTION 2 (Section
3A, Article 6243-101, V.T.C.S.) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3409 amends The Plumbing License Law to authorize a person
certified by the executive director of the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) or the executive director's designee as
being qualified for the installation, exchange, servicing, and repair of
residential water treatment facilities to use the title "water treatment
specialist."  The bill transfers the authority over the certification
process from the commissioner of public health to the executive director of
TNRCC. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 3409 differs from the original by transferring the authority over
the certification process of persons performing certain duties as a
residential water treatment facility from the commissioner of public health
to the executive director of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission.